Diary of a Racketaholic

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Read through your comments. Couple things stuck out - having the reference point of hitting other RF frames it’s alarming that there’s not a single through line in terms of feel/hitting sensation/etc. that’s alarming, tells me this is way too clear of a departure for RF to have had a significant part in the design process. Additionally, I’m bummed that they invested so many marketing dollars into a very unserious frame.

Making this thing look like a chunky pure drive but play as demanding as the pro staff 97 was the worst possible outcome. You lamented its hard to know who this frame is for, couldn’t agree more. RF and Wilson better hope a skilled junior latches on, bc it’s not looking great early doors

I think you made the right purchases with the PS97 and the 6.1 95 v14. Those frames have great feel but most of all, an identity.
 

gino

Legend
I think you made the right purchases with the PS97 and the 6.1 95 v14. Those frames have great feel but most of all, an identity.

Good point about identity. I know what I have in the Wilson frames I own (bunch pro staff 90s/97s/6.1 95s, 6 blades, and 3 ultra pros). All of those frames have a clear identity and place in Wilson’s product portfolio. RF01 overlaps with the shift, clash, and ultra IMO if I was a junior in 2024, I’d probably shift over the RF01 if i wanted to stick with Wilson

The pro staff v14 is a total dream. Like I’ve mentioned before, more plush and powerful then the RF97s I have. Luckily I have enough 6.1s to last a lifetime (15+ in a variety of layups). I’m generally pleased with Wilson given the pro labs program & consistently solid offerings like the blade 98 and pro staff 97. That all being said, still perplexed at the end game here.

This must be a 10-20 year play, but the issue remains, what kid is gonna chose this over an EZ 98, VC 98, PA 98, etc etc? Doesn’t seem like the RF01 sniffs the playability or allure of those frames to the general consumer. Couple that with no tour endorsement & a retired player leading the marketing, doesn’t look to be super promising.
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
Thanks! Glad to know it's well-liked. Never hit with a Prestige before let alone one this old, so I don't quite know what to expect. My plan is to hit it as is, but wouldn't be surprised if I have to lose the leather grip and change out the strings (it came with RPM blast; I might want a livelier and softer string).
Haha, it is not that old. Two of my team mates still play with this thing... ALso, two of my FCs are in this PJ, thanks to Mr @JGads
 

Richard Pioline

Hall of Fame
Head scratcher great way to put it. Funny thing is, if they wanted this to be a collector play, they should have just reissued the old classics. Things like the n90, k90, and blx90. Even the v10 pro staff 97 cosmetic would be cool. Regardless, I feel wind taken out of my sails as a legacy pro staff guy. I’ve never felt anything but respect for RF and his gear choices, but this one feels hard to respect. Like a clear money grab and a deviation from the market/players that usually gravitate to his gear. We’ll see how this plays out, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the RF01 mold got a total makeover in v2. Hoping the RF02 is something closer to a normal racket, like an h22 or blade pro
Old guy here: Man, the 90 would be too awesome!!! When I played with my old one indoors and was blasting backhands, my buddy said, man, you gotta just play with this racquet. This is the best I've seen you play, like ever... Hahaha.

And, I have come to terms that I just love box beams. And if a racquet is not a box beam, it can be a fun little stick, but I am never gonna like it on my backhand for match play. Even the IG Rad wasn't boxy enough in the throat for me... Somehow always felt off and not stable enough. More like a frame that you have to whip. Great frame, but not for me. The EF is much more boxy in the thoat and therefore works much better. PAVS, great frame but somehow too fast and I don't have racquet head awareness on my backhand. Still, great frame and fun to play with for me.
 
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The Black ace 300 felt a little flimsy to me. I added 2g between 10 and 2 and it became so much more stable towards the tip.

It's a shame that Prokennex are quite expensive if bought in the UK.
I'd like to see what price tag they aim for on the retailers.
Also would like to see Tennis Nerd reviewing them. He has done fantastic reviews for Pro Kennex in the past.
 
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KC!

Hall of Fame
I bought in to @tim-ay hype of the Carve 100. I’ve been playing with it for about a week now. Static weight 331, 32.5 balance & 326 swing weight. I added 4 grams of tungsten tape to the handle & Super Grap over grip. It plays very similar to the Aero 100, but with much better feel. My current match stick has been the VCT, which also plays similar. There are a few things that really stand out about the Carve 100. The feel is very plush compared to the Aero & better feel than the VCT. The stringed is very consistent on ground strokes, still getting used to it on volleys. The game changer has been on serve though. I’ve had everyone i’ve played comment on how much action i’ve had on my serve. My flat serve is also much better with the Carve 100 versus the VCT. Iv’e played three matches with it & won them handily. I’m still in honeymoon phase, but really enjoying it so far.
 
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tim-ay

Legend
I bought in to @tim-ay hype of the Carve 100. I’ve been playing with it for about a week now. Static weight 331, 32.5 balance & 326 swing weight. I added 4 grams of tungsten tape tof handle & Super Grap over grip. It plays very similar to the Aero 100, but with much better feel. My current match stick has been the VCT, which also plays similar. There are a few things that really stand out about the Carve 100. The feel is very plush compared to the Aero & better feel than the VCT. The stringed is very consistent on ground strokes, still getting used to it on volleys. The game changer has been on serve though. I’ve had everyone i’ve played comment on how much action i’ve had on my serve. My flat serve is also much better with the Carve 100 versus the VCT. Iv’e played three matches with it & won them handily. I’m still in honeymoon phase, but really enjoying it so far.
I'm past the honeymoon phase and in string experimentation. It def has great feel, this is the standout for a frame like this. I can't think of a power 100 that comes close. I wish they did....

We're having rainy afternoons right now, so it is cramping my string evaluation progress. Hopefully will get some time today.

BP is probably still a little better feel, but the Carve 100 is easier to use.
 

KC!

Hall of Fame
I'm past the honeymoon phase and in string experimentation. It def has great feel, this is the standout for a frame like this. I can't think of a power 100 that comes close. I wish they did....

We're having rainy afternoons right now, so it is cramping my string evaluation progress. Hopefully will get some time today.

BP is probably still a little better feel, but the Carve 100 is easier to use.
I’m currently using Toro Toro in mains, Super Toro in the crosses @ 53/50. It is the best feeling power/spin racquet out there. And way more forgiving & easier to use than the BP. Very arm friendly racquet, my elbow is loving it! And for the price of $134 with the discount!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm glad you all are digging it. I disagree on the feel being close to a Blade Pro, but thats just my opinion. Though compared to any recent power 100 releases, I too would rate it highest because you can actually feel the stinking ball on contact. But personally when I went back to my APD, I preferred that feel more. It was more refined and the tighter pattern gave me more connection to the ball. Something about the Carve didn't really do it for me on contact as much. The Blade Pro is plush but also connected, which is rarified air to me. Very tough to thread that needle.

I hope these Carves sell well and send a message to racquet makers that muting tech sucks and people actually want vibrations to hit their hand on contact. Back in the day everyone would say the Babolats were arm killers while stringing them with full poly at 55#s. And so Babolat overcorrected and now they feel like styrofoam.That said, the Rafa lite has a nice feel to it because none of that tech is in it besides the FSI spacing, which killed it for me. Also it's $300, which is madness.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
I'm glad you all are digging it. I disagree on the feel being close to a Blade Pro, but thats just my opinion. Though compared to any recent power 100 releases, I too would rate it highest because you can actually feel the stinking ball on contact. But personally when I went back to my APD, I preferred that feel more. It was more refined and the tighter pattern gave me more connection to the ball. Something about the Carve didn't really do it for me on contact as much. The Blade Pro is plush but also connected, which is rarified air to me. Very tough to thread that needle.

I hope these Carves sell well and send a message to racquet makers that muting tech sucks and people actually want vibrations to hit their hand on contact. Back in the day everyone would say the Babolats were arm killers while stringing them with full poly at 55#s. And so Babolat overcorrected and now they feel like styrofoam.That said, the Rafa lite has a nice feel to it because none of that tech is in it besides the FSI spacing, which killed it for me. Also it's $300, which is madness.
I'm glad you brought up the Rafa Lite/Rafalito - great feeling racquet, but like you I wish it had the same string spacing as the Origin.
 
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tim-ay

Legend
I'm glad you all are digging it. I disagree on the feel being close to a Blade Pro, but thats just my opinion. Though compared to any recent power 100 releases, I too would rate it highest because you can actually feel the stinking ball on contact. But personally when I went back to my APD, I preferred that feel more. It was more refined and the tighter pattern gave me more connection to the ball. Something about the Carve didn't really do it for me on contact as much. The Blade Pro is plush but also connected, which is rarified air to me. Very tough to thread that needle.

I hope these Carves sell well and send a message to racquet makers that muting tech sucks and people actually want vibrations to hit their hand on contact. Back in the day everyone would say the Babolats were arm killers while stringing them with full poly at 55#s. And so Babolat overcorrected and now they feel like styrofoam.That said, the Rafa lite has a nice feel to it because none of that tech is in it besides the FSI spacing, which killed it for me. Also it's $300, which is madness.
I’ve still not been able to hit pure rush at 45.

But I can tell you pure rush / ghost wire @50 vs. BP DF at 45, the feel is damn close to as sublime. How much is from pure rush / GW? Dunno. That’s why I want to run experiments now but the weather isn’t cooperating.

PS. Just thought of something.... @dr. godmode has hit quite a few setups in the Rafilito. Good dr - relatively, how much feel boost are you getting from PR/GW vs. other set ups? I def liked it better than DF/Hit Pro, but I haven't hit full bed DF yet either.
 
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Addxyz

Hall of Fame
I bought in to @tim-ay hype of the Carve 100. I’ve been playing with it for about a week now. Static weight 331, 32.5 balance & 326 swing weight. I added 4 grams of tungsten tape tof handle & Super Grap over grip. It plays very similar to the Aero 100, but with much better feel. My current match stick has been the VCT, which also plays similar. There are a few things that really stand out about the Carve 100. The feel is very plush compared to the Aero & better feel than the VCT. The stringed is very consistent on ground strokes, still getting used to it on volleys. The game changer has been on serve though. I’ve had everyone i’ve played comment on how much action i’ve had on my serve. My flat serve is also much better with the Carve 100 versus the VCT. Iv’e played three matches with it & won them handily. I’m still in honeymoon phase, but really enjoying it so far.
Oh man, Carve is the new Zus?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I’ve still not been able to hit pure rush at 45.

But I can tell you pure rush / ghost wire @50 vs. BP DF at 45, the feel is damn close to as sublime. How much is from pure rush / GW? Dunno. That’s why I want to run experiments now but the weather isn’t cooperating.

PS. Just thought of something.... @dr. godmode has hit quite a few setups in the Rafilito. Good dr - relatively, how much feel boost are you getting from PR/GW vs. other set ups? I def liked it better than DF/Hit Pro, but I haven't hit full bed DF yet either.

Huh, I didn't get there with the feel, but I don't think it's bad either. I think my string set up is good, but it is not the same as yours. It may boil down to the pattern for me, I can't really describe it well, but I don't have the same control at the same tension that I get with the APD. Mild bummer because I really want a modern version of the old PD/APD, but the closest option is the Origin. I have a decent amount of old ones so ill be ok.

I'm pretty confident you would like the Rafalito a lot if you like the Carve. You won't like the price and maybe the PJ, but frame itself is pretty fantastic for anyone who likes a more open pattern.

I'm pumped to try the PSVS again. The Storms I bought really are such great frames and I am pretty sure the PSVS will have a bump in ease of use.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Huh, I didn't get there with the feel, but I don't think it's bad either. I think my string set up is good, but it is not the same as yours. It may boil down to the pattern for me, I can't really describe it well, but I don't have the same control at the same tension that I get with the APD. Mild bummer because I really want a modern version of the old PD/APD, but the closest option is the Origin. I have a decent amount of old ones so ill be ok.

I'm pretty confident you would like the Rafalito a lot if you like the Carve. You won't like the price and maybe the PJ, but frame itself is pretty fantastic for anyone who likes a more open pattern.

I'm pumped to try the PSVS again. The Storms I bought really are such great frames and I am pretty sure the PSVS will have a bump in ease of use.
Are you guys able to see a string pattern difference between the Carve 100 and Rafalito? About the same?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Are you guys able to see a string pattern difference between the Carve 100 and Rafalito? About the same?

I don't have the Rafalito anymore, but the stringing pattern is very similar to the PA19. It may be the same pattern honestly. It skips 2 mains in the same area of the frame. It's a mild hassle since the cross tie offs are rather close to the clamp on my machine. Not sure if Carve made the drill pattern, but I am guessing it is the one that comes with the frames. Ali Baba sells them for $25-$35, you just have to buy in bulk.

I suspect they demoed a lot of the cheap Ali Baba frames and picked these. And I also suspect these frames are also what counterfeiters sold on the bay, just painted to look legit. It makes too much sense.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Are you guys able to see a string pattern difference between the Carve 100 and Rafalito? About the same?
If it's the 19 pattern, they aren't the same. Both the top and bottom crosses are moved and the mains moved a little too. You can REALLY see it if you look at the outside of the frame and the bottom / top grommets.
 

tim-ay

Legend
I don't have the Rafalito anymore, but the stringing pattern is very similar to the PA19. It may be the same pattern honestly. It skips 2 mains in the same area of the frame. It's a mild hassle since the cross tie offs are rather close to the clamp on my machine. Not sure if Carve made the drill pattern, but I am guessing it is the one that comes with the frames. Ali Baba sells them for $25-$35, you just have to buy in bulk.

I suspect they demoed a lot of the cheap Ali Baba frames and picked these. And I also suspect these frames are also what counterfeiters sold on the bay, just painted to look legit. It makes too much sense.
I covered this a lot in the carve thread. layup is different, i believe. the mould is the same and is surely common tooling. nothing complicated about that, but layup is where some of the guys fall down. I doubt any racket manufacturer is really counterfeiting these but rather using common tooling and changing the layup. Or the OEMs would cut them off and there aren't so many of these big factories anymore. Not in this industry, but I've been there and done that. China now isn't China 2002 in the main suppliers; they know they can't play that game. PS - common tooling is a tool that someone funded-not the OEM- and can be contracted by anyone to use. This happens on high demand products when a simple design patent expires or on a product that has a technical patent that expires (although that is much more difficult to get done for reasons i'm not going into).
 
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Fighting phoenix

Professional
In this episode of Tennis Nerd...
Jonas messes up his part of the recording.
Henrik says "hawk tuah" and highly praises the Gravity 98 and, more importantly even, the upcoming cosmetics.
(I wonder if he has seen the new Pro Kennex Black Ace Pro 97)
This is a great looking racquet and very interesting specs, and I think from a marketing perspective it could absolutely be a competitor to the Blade. However, I know we all love the multitude of options, but it's gotta be confusing for consumers when you have a Radical control silo competing with Gravities (not to mention Prestiges), and on top of it now we have a Radical Pro, Radical MP and now one with an 18x20 pattern, Gravity Pro/Tour/MP/and now Gravity 98.
 
This is a great looking racquet and very interesting specs, and I think from a marketing perspective it could absolutely be a competitor to the Blade. However, I know we all love the multitude of options, but it's gotta be confusing for consumers when you have a Radical control silo competing with Gravities (not to mention Prestiges), and on top of it now we have a Radical Pro, Radical MP and now one with an 18x20 pattern, Gravity Pro/Tour/MP/and now Gravity 98.
Head just has TOO MANY rackets. Too many!
Still, they were missing a 98 with a 22mm contant beam.
The Gravity will always sell well. I feel they didn't do a good job with marketing the Boom 1.0, regardless of the fact I retail-bought it, they seem to have been doing better after that.
Still, I'm not very excited about the new cosmetic scheme with the 3 x 1/3 scheme. Too flashy for my taste and on the complete other hand, the (great) Prestiges is too dark.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I covered this a lot in the carve thread. layup is different, i believe. the mould is the same and is surely common tooling. nothing complicated about that, but layup is where some of the guys fall down. I doubt any racket manufacturer is really counterfeiting these but rather using common tooling and changing the layup. Or the OEMs would cut them off and there aren't so many of these big factories anymore. Not in this industry, but I've been there and done that. China now isn't China 2002 in the main suppliers; they know they can't play that game. PS - common tooling is a tool that someone funded-not the OEM- and can be contracted by anyone to use. This happens on high demand products when a simple design patent expires or on a product that has a technical patent that expires (although that is much more difficult to get done for reasons i'm not going into).
Yeah I understand common tooling, thats how so many guitars are being made now compared to 30 years ago.

I just see the exact same frames (PS97 and PA) sold by a supllier on Ali Baba. All one piece, no pallet system. Carbon Graphite, Black. I think the tougher part of this once you find a frame on there that feels good is getting a nice PJ on it. Not sure how a small startup would get access to those services at a wholesale rate, but I'm probably not googling deeply enough. I know there are services that will paint your racquet, but it looks more like a consumer service.

So now it interests me on how the process goes - buy frames from Chinese manufacturer, and then ship somewhere for paint, or will the same factory do it? The Carve PJ is very minimal, so I wonder if they have it all done in the same warehouse.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Yeah I understand common tooling, thats how so many guitars are being made now compared to 30 years ago.

I just see the exact same frames (PS97 and PA) sold by a supllier on Ali Baba. All one piece, no pallet system. Carbon Graphite, Black. I think the tougher part of this once you find a frame on there that feels good is getting a nice PJ on it. Not sure how a small startup would get access to those services at a wholesale rate, but I'm probably not googling deeply enough. I know there are services that will paint your racquet, but it looks more like a consumer service.

So now it interests me on how the process goes - buy frames from Chinese manufacturer, and then ship somewhere for paint, or will the same factory do it? The Carve PJ is very minimal, so I wonder if they have it all done in the same warehouse.
Usually either it’s an internal paint shop or a supplier right by them in one of the industrial parks. But I don’t think it’s that simple in this case. There is fiberglass in this layup, so someone tweaked it. You’re just looking at the design / mould. You can get help with that from the manufacturer, sure, but that changes it more than just paint.

As for how the process goes this is how I would do it.
1. Find a couple of reputable suppliers
2. See what common tooling is available.
3. Talk to them about my design goals and options. Including layup.
4. If they didn’t know really how to get what I wanted, I’d get a consultant to help with the layup.
5. Spec out the agreed to target specs and process control counter including tolerances of the mfg process.
6. Use my artwork for branding. Spec common paint their partner or them have.
7. Have a QC guy - I know plenty- if I didn’t I’d find one to spot check and audit factory processes.
8. Control packaging and labeling so I could ship and warehouse locally without touching it.
9. Set up website and customer service process.
10. Make sure I had clear warranty and returns with customer and also factory.

Given the weights in these vs. alibaba stuff your looking at, I think I’m closer to the truth.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Usually either it’s an internal paint shop or a supplier right by them in one of the industrial parks. But I don’t think it’s that simple in this case. There is fiberglass in this layup, so someone tweaked it. You’re just looking at the design / mould. You can get help with that from the manufacturer, sure, but that changes it more than just paint.

As for how the process goes this is how I would do it.
1. Find a couple of reputable suppliers
2. See what common tooling is available.
3. Talk to them about my design goals and options. Including layup.
4. If they didn’t know really how to get what I wanted, I’d get a consultant to help with the layup.
5. Spec out the agreed to target specs and process control counter including tolerances of the mfg process.
6. Use my artwork for branding. Spec common paint their partner or them have.
7. Have a QC guy - I know plenty- if I didn’t I’d find one to spot check and audit factory processes.
8. Control packaging and labeling so I could ship and warehouse locally without touching it.
9. Set up website and customer service process.
10. Make sure I had clear warranty and returns with customer and also factory.

Given the weights in these vs. alibaba stuff your looking at, I think I’m closer to the truth.

Ok I really am not trying to have an argument about this on who is closer to the truth. It's not a big deal, I just find it interesting because I found a frame on ali Baba that looks exactly like Carves. So In my mind, they probably reached out to them and requested a layup tweak and got it. It makes sense since the price ranges from 25-40 for the same frame.

Anyway, enjoy the racquet. I don't really intend to start some kind of fight over if the frame is good or not, I was just sharing my thoughts on the racquet since I bought one. I'm selling mine, you're keeping yours. Cool. I genuinely find this process interesting.
 

tim-ay

Legend
Ok I really am not trying to have an argument about this on who is closer to the truth. It's not a big deal, I just find it interesting because I found a frame on ali Baba that looks exactly like Carves. So In my mind, they probably reached out to them and requested a layup tweak and got it. It makes sense since the price ranges from 25-40 for the same frame.

Anyway, enjoy the racquet. I don't really intend to start some kind of fight over if the frame is good or not, I was just sharing my thoughts on the racquet since I bought one. I'm selling mine, you're keeping yours. Cool. I genuinely find this process interesting.
No , me too. It’s interesting!
 

tim-ay

Legend
Ok cool, I just dont want you to think im disparaging the racquet. Its a good racquet, but just not what I was looking for. But the business model is very very interesting.
I’m telling you man. It’s very interesting. Funny thing is this is what a ton of people are doing, even large OEMs on many things. Even the big guys are doing something very similar, they just have a tooling budget and BS tech tweaks and huge huge marketing budgets.

This is why my first comment after hitting the carve was “the whole industry is a scam”. Haha. We could make a TTW frame. I’ll be over in Taiwan and Asia again before too long. lol.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I’m telling you man. It’s very interesting. Funny thing is this is what a ton of people are doing, even large OEMs on many things. Even the big guys are doing something very similar, they just have a tooling budget and BS tech tweaks and huge huge marketing budgets.

This is why my first comment after hitting the carve was “the whole industry is a scam”. Haha. We could make a TTW frame. I’ll be over in Taiwan and Asia again before too long. lol.

Yes, we can. I have ideas for sure and thats why I was asking so much about it. Down the rabbit hole I go.
 

808

Professional
indoor season here I come

Z4RAfO0.jpeg
 

tim-ay

Legend
Yes, we can. I have ideas for sure and thats why I was asking so much about it. Down the rabbit hole I go.
I really don’t know, and I’m just guessing here, but something similar must be going on for “TW exclusive reissues”. Although since they use OEM branding, someone at the OEM is getting a nice cut on something they didn’t really have to invest in at all - money or resources.
 

gino

Legend
Old guy here: Man, the 90 would be too awesome!!! When I played with my old one indoors and was blasting backhands, my buddy said, man, you gotta just play with this racquet. This is the best I've seen you play, like ever... Hahaha.

And, I have come to terms that I just love box beams. And if a racquet is not a box beam, it can be a fun little stick, but I am never gonna like it on my backhand for match play. Even the IG Rad wasn't boxy enough in the throat for me... Somehow always felt off and not stable enough. More like a frame that you have to whip. Great frame, but not for me. The EF is much more boxy in the thoat and therefore works much better. PAVS, great frame but somehow too fast and I don't have racquet head awareness on my backhand. Still, great frame and fun to play with for me.

The 90 is so interesting, because it does reward aggressive tactics/mechanics, even in 2024. It has a modern launch angle and spin potential. You can get away with playing with one so long as you keep the foot on the gas pedal and have the technical ability to keep the RHS cooking. I think a lot of people would pick one up again if you could get one brand new for $275-$300. When RF won his last major with the 90, July of 2012, all of his competitors were still playing with the frames they use today. He cooked prime Djokovic in the semi and prime Murray in the final. Point being, if he can win a slam with it, I'm sure we can have some fun with it a local league match, hitting session, or even light/casual hit. I think Wilson is really underserving the RF collector market - they did the RF85 a few years back, but that was too limited to really fulfill the market generally. I think it's a massive miss that they are doing the Laver Cup limited edition cosmetics only for the RF01 line. Not sure what Laver Cup aficionado/RF fan is gonna drop serious cash for the same underwhelming product with a few extra logos. Wish I bought a few more of the Laver cup RFs from last year, those were awesome

Like you, totally convinced tennis is preferred for me with a boxier beam. It's just the way I grew up and what's familiar. This is the only issue I had with the strike 98, the beam design was and is a little too modernized for my liking. I play babolats for a different flavor, but it's definitely not my preferred vibe. Would be fine hitting on a PT 2.0 and 6.1 95 for the rest of my days, but us holics are always cooking up some new rationale to get another frame haha
 
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gino

Legend
Today’s group of graphite friends. Man, I really like the prestige pro aux 1/2 - I hope they keep the mold and just work to make the layup a touch more raw. One real design flaw I can’t ignore — the stupid thick matte paint that doesn’t run flush with the gloss. How did they mess that up on two consecutive iterations? The mold itself has much more inherent power than the 95” prestiges we all know and love, but does maintain the prestige-like hitting sensation (thin beam, flexy low yolk, 18x20 etc)

Also have had a resurgence in appreciation for the nTour & other 95 Tour molds. That thing packs a punch for 95, real sweet ride

ulQvZwn.jpeg
 
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TwinCinema

Professional
Today’s group of graphite friends. Man, I really like the prestige pro aux 1/2 - I hope they keep the mold and just work to make the layup a touch more raw. The mold itself has much more inherent power than the 95” prestiges we all know and love, but does maintain the prestige-like hitting sensation (thin beam, flexy yolk, etc)

Also have had a resurgence in appreciation for the nTour & other 95 Tour molds. That thing packs a punch for 95, real sweet ride

ulQvZwn.jpeg

Inspires me to share my menu selections for the evening. 3 Blades, 2 Babs, and a Head walk into a bar…

IMG-2324.jpg
 

Fintft

G.O.A.T.
Today’s group of graphite friends. Man, I really like the prestige pro aux 1/2 - I hope they keep the mold and just work to make the layup a touch more raw. The mold itself has much more inherent power than the 95” prestiges we all know and love, but does maintain the prestige-like hitting sensation (thin beam, flexy yolk, etc)

Also have had a resurgence in appreciation for the nTour & other 95 Tour molds. That thing packs a punch for 95, real sweet ride

ulQvZwn.jpeg
Is there another racquet that comes even close to Prestige in terms of a combination of control, power and feel?
 

gino

Legend
Is there another racquet that comes even close to Prestige in terms of a combination of control, power and feel?

Hard to think of one. I think it's better in the feel department than any of my precious Wilsons or any lineage of frames I've used, at large. However, the power has always been pretty low. Which was great for me personally as someone who has a tendency to overhit

In general, the prestige rules man. I've had so many great moments on a tennis court with a glossy metallic red head prestige. Still have at least a dozen of them. Won't ever sell them. All nestled in my youtek prestige bag

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Fintft

G.O.A.T.
Hard to think of one. I think it's better in the feel department than any of my precious Wilsons or any lineage of frames I've used, at large. However, the power has always been pretty low. Which was great for me personally as someone who has a tendency to overhit

In general, the prestige rules man. I've had so many great moments on a tennis court with a glossy metallic red head prestige. Still have at least a dozen of them. Won't ever sell them. All nestled in my youtek prestige bag

289_4.jpg
I only have the .1
 

leng jai

Rookie
I'm still struggling to see why I would use the 2023 Prestige Pro over the other racquets I have which makes me sad as a long time Prestige user. The Gravity Pro's sweet spot is just so much bigger while still being easier to swing and it still has great stability and plow through. The 97D still feels like it was a bigger sweet spot and it just feels so much more solid at contact because of how head heavy it is.

The Prestige is head light which makes it easier to swing but it just feels a bit anaemic and the sweet spot feels noticeably smaller with its traditional head shape. I just don't feel anywhere near as secure on it on my single hander compared to the other 2 while I don't feel like it gives me much back for the decreased forgiveness. The 97D is hard to use but it just clobbers the ball when you hit it right and honestly it does most of the work for you if you can just get the racquet through in time. On the Prestige it's just as hard to hit it perfectly (or harder) and the end result doesn't feel any better outside of marginally more topspin. Even on the slice, while very good, it's not any better than the one I can hit on the GPro.

If I want something easier swing so I can take bigger cuts at the ball I'll reach for the Gpro. If I'm feeling really good and there's not much wind the 97D is my go to. I guess that leaves the Prestige for...nostalgia? Maybe I'll change my mind in a few months.
 

TwinCinema

Professional
Beauty mate! Hope youre enjoying the Graphene Prestige Pro. That mold is awesome, same as youtek ig. Also currently smitten by the v9 blade and its layup

Just had my first hit with it, and I have one word.

FEEL!

Now I see why @Power Player is such a feel junkie. It’s addictive on this GPP. One of the most connected, talkative, urgent-feeling sticks I’ve ever used. Didn’t even realize how numbed I was to feel having used the slightly muted PSVS for most of this year and the soft Blade for most of last year. This Prestige is all about the feels.

I don’t think I can mainline it though, at least not at this stage. First I need to get rid of the leather grip, as it started to activate those wrist issues I have with leather. It’s also a little unforgiving and demanding. But it has surprising pop for a frame I’d read was a little under-powered. Gets great depth when you hit clean.

The funny thing is I had this great feel even with RPM Blast in the frame, one of the worst-feeling strings in existence. Once I lose the leather I’m also going to get it restrung. Any suggestions? My only parameters are full bed poly (though I could blend) and nothing too mushy.

After I put down the GPP I went to the PSVS freshly strung with my trusty razor code white 18 and holy friggin mama did I have fun. That frame-string combo is a match made in heaven and I was giving people fits all night. If I was on death row and my final request was one set of tennis, I’d play it with a PSVS strung with razor code white 18.
 
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Fintft

G.O.A.T.
I'm still struggling to see why I would use the 2023 Prestige Pro over the other racquets I have which makes me sad as a long time Prestige user. The Gravity Pro's sweet spot is just so much bigger while still being easier to swing and it still has great stability and plow through. The 97D still feels like it was a bigger sweet spot and it just feels so much more solid at contact because of how head heavy it is.

The Prestige is head light which makes it easier to swing but it just feels a bit anaemic and the sweet spot feels noticeably smaller with its traditional head shape. I just don't feel anywhere near as secure on it on my single hander compared to the other 2 while I don't feel like it gives me much back for the decreased forgiveness. The 97D is hard to use but it just clobbers the ball when you hit it right and honestly it does most of the work for you if you can just get the racquet through in time. On the Prestige it's just as hard to hit it perfectly (or harder) and the end result doesn't feel any better outside of marginally more topspin. Even on the slice, while very good, it's not any better than the one I can hit on the GPro.

If I want something easier swing so I can take bigger cuts at the ball I'll reach for the Gpro. If I'm feeling really good and there's not much wind the 97D is my go to. I guess that leaves the Prestige for...nostalgia? Maybe I'll change my mind in a few months.
I was speaking tongue in cheek about only a Prestige PJ in a prostock( not retail), which is far from being anemic. Try it and then decide for yourself.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Just had my first hit with it, and I have one word.

FEEL!

Now I see why @Power Player is such a feel junkie. It’s addictive on this GPP. One of the most connected, talkative, urgent-feeling sticks I’ve ever used. Didn’t even realize how numbed I was to feel having used the slightly muted PSVS for most of this year and the soft Blade for most of last year. This Prestige is all about the feels.

I don’t think I can mainline it though, at least not at this stage. First I need to get rid of the leather grip, as it started to activate those wrist issues I have with leather. It’s also a little unforgiving and demanding. But it has surprising pop for a frame I’d read was a little under-powered. Gets great depth when you hit clean.

The funny thing is I had this great feel even with RPM Blast in the frame, one of the worst-feeling strings in existence. Once I lose the leather I’m also going to get it restrung. Any suggestions? My only parameters are full bed poly (though I could blend) and nothing too mushy.

After I put down the GPP I went to the PSVS freshly strung with my trusty razor code white 18 and holy friggin mama did I have fun. That frame-string combo is a match made in heaven and I was giving people fits all night. If I was on death row and my final request was one set of tennis, I’d play it with a PSVS strung with razor code white 18.
A friend of mine who has tried everything in the book busted this frame out recently and said it was amazing. Most interestingly he said it lacked the annoying ping that could accompany the MP Sometimes, where you accepted that after stiffness/ping because it brought extra power to the ball which supercharged the Prestige experience. He said this one felt softer to him than the MP. I very much want to try this Graphene pro one day as I never have. Always figured it would feel similarly to the MP and have too much pop for my taste but it sounds like it may not be the frame that I thought it was.
 
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